Our People | Otto Foundation

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Our people

Our Founders

The Otto Foundation is the philanthropic trust of Chris Otto (our founder) and the Otto family.

Chris Otto graduated with a BComm LLB from the University of Stellenbosch. He is an entrepreneur and was a founding director of PSG Group, Capitec Bank and Zeder Investments and still serves on these and other boards. He is involved in various community projects and currently also serves as chairman of the Stellenbosch Law Faculty Trust.

Chris believes that a well-educated youth is the future of South Africa. The Otto's support the Foundation through word and deed in order to address the challenges and inequalities in our country's schools and education system.

For Chris and his family, the foundation is a lifelong commitment, and they hope that future generations will reap the benefits of a prosperous country.

#TeamOtto

The Otto Foundation is led and managed by a team of women who are all passionate about South Africa, about education, literacy, and the transformative power of books and stories.

Co-founder & Chairperson

Zephne Ladbrook

Zephne co-founded the Otto Foundation and has spearheaded our strategy development and project implementation since 2017. She chairs the board of trustees, and maintains active involvement in, and oversight over, the activities of the Foundation.

Chief Executive

Dr. Frouwien Bosman

Frouwien has a background in public policy and development studies. She oversees the Foundation's operations and projects. Her work for the Foundation is motivated by her belief that reading is a key tool for individual advancement and societal change.

Director: Partnerships

Nonikiwe Mashologu

Nonikiwe is the Foundation's director for partnerships and stakeholder management. She has worked in the literacy field for more than a decade, fulfilling roles as a board member, programme director, project manager, editor, facilitator, translator and reviewer.

Director: Literacy, Learning & Curriculum

Pam Hoffman

Pam has a background in education and clinical social work with experience working in school and university contexts. She is an avid reader, she is passionate about books and storytelling, and she believes that all children deserve access to book rich environments that support their learning and development.

Manager: Literacy Projects

Chané Jacobs

Chané has a background in interior design. She helps our team to understand how physical spaces can provide opportunities for children to discover and develop different learning styles and interests. Chané oversees our literacy projects and supports our school librarians. She is also a budding library software expert and provides invaluable support in ensuring that our libraries run smoothly.

Manager: Design & Placemaking

Xanelé Puren

Xanelé is an illustrator and spatial designer with extensive experience working with stakeholders to create child-centred environments, infrastructure, relational and educational programs. Her work is inspired by her love for children and her passion for their well-being.

Our Founders

#TeamOtto

Learn more about our strategic priorities, our theory of change, and our story.